While speaking on The Done Deal Show, Dean Jones has been unable to completely rule out Arsenal making a move for Lucas Paqueta.
The Brazilian midfielder has been tipped to make a switch to the Premier League this summer, with Arsenal said to be very much interested in his services, which may only grow now that his current club’s president has admitted they are prepared for any eventuality involving the 24-year-old.
However, Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit of the midfielder, with Newcastle United also said to be keen on Paqueta, although the Magpies may hold an advantage just because of the sheer number of central midfielders Mikel Arteta already has within his squad.
Despite that, Jones couldn’t fully rule out the Gunners trying to sign Paqueta this summer.
Who would you rather Arsenal signed?
Paqueta!
Tielemans!
He said: “The Paqueta link is so interesting because it won’t go away, but it really doesn’t fit. It seems like Arsenal are already overloaded with players of his type. So I don’t think he’s the one, personally.”
TIF Thoughts on the Paqueta links…
While this claim from Jones wasn’t overly positive for Arsenal fans, the fact that he acknowledged that it simply ‘won’t go away’ would suggest that the Gunners do still hold some form of interest in the midfielder, and perhaps, if the price is right come the end of the window, they may decide to make a late move.
It will be refreshing for Arsenal fans that their club now have a long list of targets for several positions and aren’t looking to simply neglect an area of the pitch despite being well-stocked – as that’s a sign of a club looking to make big strides moving forward.
Despite Jones claiming that the ‘world star‘ may not fit in at Arsenal, the fact that the Gunners are still looking for a new central midfielder – amid links to Youri Tielemans – perhaps Arteta could convert Paqueta into a similar role if a deal looks more attainable.